Originally Posted by
jkhuggins
Predicting the future is always risky. But, where TSA is concerned, the evidence we've seen is that virtually all pilot programs become mandatory in time --- usually, without official public discussion (FT doesn't count) or commentary.
The only "pilot" program that I can think of which didn't get implemented was the experiment with puffers, which failed for technical reasons.
So ... given past history, I'd have to say this program is likely to be fully deployed. Of course, I have no idea how this pilot will be judged for "success", so my opinion and $1 will buy you a soft drink at McD's ...
Ain't no doubt about it.
I'm not sure the puffers were really a pilot scheme, the TSA ended up buying (well, contacting for) 207 machines, but after 94 had been installed they suddenly found they didn't work. The TSA was able to blame the machines, thereby avoiding a loss of "face".
This new bloated BD scheme
will be implemented nationwide since there is no success or failure metric, so if the TSA says it works then it works
.
It generates the need for more manpower, hence a greater budget, hence a bigger empire.
It gives more ersatz power to checkpoint workers and increases their opinions of self worth.
Most importantly, not to do so would be an admission by the TSA that it was a dumb idea, something they never have and never will do (see: Say Your Name).